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Jason McCormack
Update WordPress Website
A project to bring a website up to date and authenticate MailChimp.
overview
Upon completion I was able to update the websites backend, provided instructions on how to obtain an SSL certificate which I will install, and took all necessary steps for MailChimp authentication.
Below I go through the entire project with screenshots and notes that I took during the work.
Step #1
After jumping into the WordPress backend I could immediately see that it required a lot of updates.
Step #2
A few of the core plugins that run the bulk of the website were unable to be updated as the server was running a really old version of PHP.
Step #3
In order to update these plugins I went into WebCentral and updated the PHP version. Updating PHP can sometimes cause fatal errors so I did a quality control check after updating.
Step #4
The website survived the PHP update. I proceeded to update each plugin 1-by-1. I did this slowly just in case a plugin conflicted. The updates were successful.
Step #5
I logged into MailChimp and started the authentication process. It asked me to add two CNAME records.
Step #6
I added the CNAME records within the DNS Zone Editor.
Step #7
CNAME records, like any DNS record, can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate. I've left that tab open and we'll come back to it.
Step #8
In the meantime the website is experiencing spam issues, so we will address that by adding a captcha to the contact form. The captcha is only visible upon interaction.
Step #9
Now it's onto the website showing "not secure". I run a test to see why we're not showing the padlock. We don't have a current SSL certificate.
Step #10
In order to show the website as secure, an SSL certificate is required. You can purchase an SSL certificate through Namecheap by clicking this link. All you require is the cheapest option. I can install it after it has been purchased.
Step #11
I re-check the status of MailChimp and it's still pending. Please let me know if you receive an email from them with a success/failure.
Step #12
There is 1 update left to do which is the WordPress core files. This could produce an error so I made note of the previous successful WordPress installation in case we need to roll back.
Step #13
The update went fine and the website is now completely up to date.
results
Basic actionable recommendations for your website:
- Ensure that plugins, core WordPress files and server software is kept up to date within the WordPress Dashboard.
- Purchase an SSL certificate through Namecheap using this link. Once that’s done I will install it for you.
- MailChimp will send you an email to let you know if the authentication was successful, please let me know what it says.
results
Advanced actionable recommendations for your website:
- Join my WordPress Care Package so that I can take care of any and all future website development work. My WordPress Care Package puts me in complete control of your website from security, maintenance, updates, edits, additions and more. It’s like having the absolute best developer on retainer for less than 1/10th of the cost.
faq
Answering some questions you may have:
What is an SSL certificate?
Think of an SSL certificate like a special security badge for websites. It's what makes your website http://jasonmccormack.com.au/ safe and trusted. Without it, browsers might say "not secure," but with an SSL certificate, information exchanged on your site is locked away from potential intruders. It's like a digital lock that keeps your visitors' data safe and your website trustworthy.
Should I keep the WordPress back-end kept up to date?
Yes, it's crucial to keep both plugins and the WordPress core files up to date for security, performance, and compatibility reasons. Updating plugins and core files on a WordPress website is like locking your doors and getting regular check-ups for a healthy, secure, and smooth-running home.